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Friday, March 4, 2011

Responsibility, Farm-Style

Though I realize I am a new farmer and this is a new farm, I have been wanting to do this forever. Farms have always beckoned me, from Amish Country in PA to the farms in Vermont. It always seemed like it was the right thing for me to do--the place I was going to fit in. And I was right. Though we've only just got a few months under our belts, the land, the animals, the air, the expectations, the hopes and plans, they've gotten into my blood the way nothing else that I've ever done ever has. Nourishing animals that will nourish us, nourishing the ground that will nourish us, it almost feels sacred. Like the circle that was always there is calling us in, and in answering, we become a part of it and it helps us to feel whole. Feeding ourselves, feeding others, and doing it in a way that is respectful to the earth is such a huge thing, and I feel lucky everyday to be part of it.

Since I feel that way, I want to share the feeling. And since I can't accost strangers in the road and make them farm with me, I start with my family. Though maybe my husband is not the "farming type" (so he says), the kids are young, and I'd like to start them to see if maybe they are the "farming type". But it is difficult for me to just hand over the animals just like that and wait and see what happens. We are a small farm, after all, an if there's a failure, we'll feel it.

Solution? Here he is...

Meet Mr. Responsibility. Or Mr. Responsibunnity. Whichever you prefer. This eligible bachelor bunny-boy is a 12 week old Lionhead, fresh from Agway. He's smaller than Finn inches tall, and weighs maybe 3 pounds. He enjoys reluctantly sitting in laps, hopping, hiding, pooping and peeing, and he doesn't mind a nice hair brush, either. After all, a boy wants to look his best. His favorite things to eat right now are timothy hay and rabbit pellets. He thinks he can learn to like papaya (to cut down on wool block--'cause he's fuzzy, don't you know) Currently, he can be found hiding out in our room. Destination? Little boy's birthday party next weekend. Oh boy, will he be surprised.

This little guy is going to be all Reid's. To name, to care for, to pet, and make decisions about. I am hoping that he will be able to get into a routine with him, and be successful, and as he gets bigger (Reid, not the bunny), he will want to do more here. That would be the goal. But all in good time. Until then, he has a pet to take care of, all by himself (but I will be watching), and until he gets that pet, I have a little bunny to work with so that he's calm and gentle for the big day.

oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't include a picture of the little ladies (and gentleman).

They are getting huge-er. Eating well, drinking well, swimming well. Ophelia is still not walking well, but she does get up a lot more. They are in the biggest thing I have to hold them in here, so out they go to the brooder on Sunday. I hope the temperature stays up a bit. They are extremely talkative and funny. And their beaks are getting too big for their heads. So that right there is pretty funny too. They are a joy, and I love watching them grow.

About Me

After years of talking the talk, I'm finally walking the walk--and have the boots to prove it.
Living on a beautiful piece of land in a small house, we are turning to the earth to provide for us and others. I am a "jane of all trades", working the land, tending to animals, and doing things that many people just don't do anymore. Teaching our children to be good stewards, and relearning the skills ourselves is our goal.